Fearnley confident in Paralympic preparation

Aussie wheelchair Marathon star and NSWIS athlete Kurt Fearnley is confident that his Rio Paralympic preparations are on track as he looks to IPC Athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland this weekend. 

Fellow NSWIS athlete and Doha 2015 gold medallist Angela Ballard, who will also be hoping for strong results at the meet that is arguably known as the fastest meet on the planet for their discipline, will join Fearnley. 

Fearnley is scheduled to start in the longer 1500m and 5000m events, and said that he us unsure of the shape he is in leading into the meet, however enthused that he is eager to find out where is form is just months away from the Paralympics. 

“I don’t know what shape I’m in, that’s what makes me so eager to race there [Notwill]. In January, during the Australian season I was racing faster than I was at the same time last year, and I’ve come to this event healthy and injury free. We’ll have to see what I am capable of but I am very happy with where I am at,” Fearnley told Athletics Australia. 

“My schedule is pretty much set for Rio now. I’m doing more here than I will there, but the bigger schedule this weekend will give me a better understanding of how to develop the right race plans for the Paralympics, what tactics we’ll consider to set the pace, or sit within the pack and where I think my strengths are ahead.” 

Meanwhile Ballard, who will take on a large program that includes the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m and said it was one of the best events on the calendar, and that spirits where high among the Aussies still chasing Athletics Australia ‘A’ Standard for the Paralympic Games. 

“This competition is always fast, it’s always held on a quick surface for wheelchairs and it is very well organised for us, with great facilities and support for those of us that compete. I’ve been coming here for 15 years and I think people know that it is the place to be in May, that’s why everyone keeps coming back, because there are great opportunities here,” Ballard told Athletics Australia. 

“Everyone is pushing really well. I’m so excited to see how everyone races. There are a few here still chasing qualifiers for Rio and they are really positive about it. Now they just have to convert that confidence into action and it should be a great campaign.” 

In competition for able-bodied athletes, NSIWS long jumper Fabrice Lapierre will again be in action next Thursday as he takes on round five of the IAAF Diamond League in Rome, Italy.